Local family shares their story after therapy pet goes missing

News 10 sat down with a local family to learn more about their therapy pet, after he went missing.

4th of july celebrations... lead to a "rise" in lost pets.

And for one local family..

They say..

They lost more than just a "furry-friend."

It's new for you this morning.

News 10's jordan kudisch sat down with the family and has their story.

This is fransico.

He's been missing for roughly 2-3 days.

That's 2-3 days..

The family has felt "lost" without their "trusty" sidekick..

And "therapy" pet.

C} "worry, fear, anxiety."

Na} those are just some of the words "christy peterson" used t describe how she's feeling "without" fransico.

C} "i've left letter trails, i've handed out thousands of flyers,i'm on missing pets on facebook."

Na} "humaine traps"..

"treats"..

And "help from neighbors."

Despite her endless efforts..

There's been no sign of her 11-pound companion.

It's not just the "purrs" that she's missing.

Francisco plays a "key" role in helping out on the bad days.

C} "studies have shown that the cats pur can calm you down and i don't know i just feel so lost and anxious without him.

I feel like a part of me is missing."

Na} pets can help manage long-term mental health problems..

And provide a sense of security and routine.

That's according to a study by the "anxiety and depression association of america."

Association of america."

And for "peterson" that's exactly what "francisco" does for her.

C} "we are so bonded that he follows me literally everywhere and people come over here and laugh because they say he follows me like a dog.

We are just so bonded."

Na} and her only wish... is to see her "furry" family member..

Come home.

C} " it would be an answered prayer.

I would just feel so much relief and so much love.

I know he wants to come back to me, i'm his person."

As you saw..

That cat in the video..

Is the "sister" to "fransciso."

In the next 30 minutes--- we'll dive deeper into franciso's story..

And the lesson this "pet owner" hopes "you" take away after hearing her "heart-breaking" experience.

Jon, back